Licho Escamilla was executed by the state of Texas on Wednesday, October 14, 2015. Licho was pronounced dead 6:31 pm CDT, inside the Walls Unit execution chamber of the Huntsville State Penitentiary in Huntsville, Texas. Licho was 33 years of age. He was executed for the murder of 34-year-old off-duty Dallas police officer Christopher Kevin James, on November 25, 2001, outside of a nightclub in Dallas, Texas. Licho spent the last 12 years of his life on Texas’ death row.

Licho alleges he grew up in an abusive home. Licho’s father testified that Licho’s personality drastically changed after the death of his mother, with whom he was close. Licho also started drinking after his mother’s death. At the age of 11, Licho was physically assaulted by two adult males at a party. They had mistaken Licho for another individual. Licho dropped out of school after the 8th grade. At the time of Christopher’s murder, Licho was wanted in connection with a killing earlier that month of a West Dallas man. Prior to his arrest, Licho had worked as a laborer.

On November 25, 2001, Christopher, along with three other off duty police officers were working security at a Dallas nightclub with a reputation for attacking danger. Around 2:45 am, a fight began near a valet stand. When Christopher and other security officials attempted to break up the fight, Licho Escamilla pulled a gun from his waistband and began firing indiscriminately.

Senior Corporal Clarence Lockett was struck in the hand by a bullet. Christopher’s gun was struck by a bullet, disabling it. Christopher was also struck in the arm by another bullet. A Christopher lay on the ground, Escamilla approached him and shot him three times in the back of the head. Clarence survived his injuries and testified against Escamilla at his trial, which eventually resulted in a death sentence.

Other officers pursued Escamilla, exchanging fire. Escamilla was captured attempting to carjack a vehicle and taken to the hospital to be treated for a minor gun shot injury he received. While at the hospital, Escamilla was laughing and bragging about shooting a cop.

Please pray for peace and healing for the family of Christopher James. Please pray for strength for the family of Licho Escamilla.